ROME – As many as 2,500 people attended an enchanting garden party to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in the grounds of the Villa Wolkonsky, the leafy residence of the British Ambassador to Italy, Lord Edward Llewellyn.

 Speaking to the guests gathered on a sweltering Thursday evening, the Ambassador hailed the event “as an historic occasion, the first time in 70 years that we celebrate the birthday of an English king.”

 “We begin this evening a new reign, a new chapter, a new era also in relations between Italy and the United Kingdom,” the envoy said, “but one thing is certain. We are building a very solid foundation.”

 Lord llewellyn noted that the pavement on which the throne rested in Westminster Abbey during the coronation “was laid down 800 years ago by Italian artisans, and it is a beautiful example of what we Britons and Italians can do together.”

 The new British king “loves Italy, he has already visited Italy 20 times and is the living symbol of this connection” between the two countries, the ambassador added.

 “It’s an honour and a pleasure to play host at Villa Wolkonsky to so many friend of the United Kingdom,” he continued.”

 “From my arrival in Italy I have been struck by the affection that so many Italians show for my country.”

 jp